Gilbert Pérez Bar Opens in Sherman Oaks

The new Sherman Oaks cocktail destination limits guests to 90 minutes and enforces a strict no-smartphone policy.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Cocktails

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Gilbert Pérez Bar has officially opened in Sherman Oaks, situated directly above the existing Daisy Margarita Bar. The intimate 24-seat establishment focuses on an experiential atmosphere rooted in Mexican spirits and mythology.

Why it matters

The operators designed the bar as an immersive destination to highlight Mexican rum production. By implementing a no-smartphone rule and time-limited seating, they aim to encourage guests to fully engage with the space's thematic programming.

The bar features a menu of 7 cocktails and houses over 70 rums from Mexican producers, with some selections exceeding 54 percent alcohol by volume. Reservations are capped at 90 minutes to accommodate the 24-seat venue.

The players

Gilbert Pérez Bar

This is a new 24-seat experiential cocktail bar in Sherman Oaks that specializes in Mexican rums and immersive thematic storytelling.

Adean Studios

The design firm responsible for creating the aesthetic and functional layout of the new bar space.

Spike Kienholz

The designer tasked with creating the lighting effects used to simulate the thematic portals within the bar.

Daisy Margarita Bar

An existing establishment located in Sherman Oaks that serves as the physical foundation for the new bar located above it.

The details

Designed by Adean Studios with lighting effects by Spike Kienholz, the space utilizes four video screens and sound effects to simulate different thematic portals. A digital split-flap display signals transitions between these environments every 45 minutes.

1500s: Gil Pérez was transported from the Philippines to Mexico.
Early 2025: Daisy Margarita Bar opened.
October 22, 2026: Gilbert Pérez Bar opened to the public.

Culture Shift

The establishment follows the broader rise of experiential hospitality in Los Angeles, where venues prioritize narrative-driven atmospheres over traditional service. By banning phones, it signals a departure from social-media-focused dining toward intentional, present-moment engagement.

Visitors must adjust their habits by leaving smartphones tucked away and planning for a strict 90-minute stay. Prospective guests should coordinate their arrival to align with the 45-minute cycle of the portal transitions.

The takeaway

This venue emphasizes the growing trend of distraction-free, time-bound social experiences in high-concept bars. Guests looking to visit should treat the outing as a curated performance rather than a traditional bar stop.